A First Nations attraction catering for up to 110 tourists at a time has been approved for the Sunshine Coast.
Four retail tenancies adjacent to the Aussie World theme park and Banana Bender Pub at Palmview will be converted into the new attraction, with an outdoor area to also be added.
The application, which was originally submitted by Aussie World operator Timevale Pty Ltd in June 2024, was approved by Sunshine Coast Council on July 30.
An assessment report by Project Urban said the existing commercial tenancies had a gross floor area of 492sqm, with the new attraction to include an additional 163sqm.
It will also include an outdoor area that was previously earmarked for a new theme park ride in a development application that was approved in 2017.
The report said the attraction would include a theatre, multimedia elements and a garden.
“The experience aims to provide a learning experience about the First Nations people of Australia, with a specific focus on the Sunshine Coast region,” it stated.
“Guests will start with an introduction in a small theatre, followed by free-roaming through several sequential spaces that offer information through graphics, media, sound and interactives.
“Guests will move outside to a garden area for hands-on experiences. They may also have the opportunity to meet local artists, ask questions, understand the meanings behind the artwork and observe work being created.
“The journey will conclude at an ancillary gallery/shop where guests can purchase artwork and other relevant merchandise.”
The council’s approval says no more than 110 visitors and 14 staff will be permitted at the attraction at one time.
It will be allowed to operate between 7am and 10pm seven days a week.
The building has a planned height of 7.176m, below the approved maximum of 8.5m.
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No additional car parking or changes to the layout are planned.
“The likely parking demand of the proposed attraction has been determined based on first principles and is expected to be in the order of 22-42 spaces,” the report said.
“When taking into account the removal of existing/approved site uses, the proposal is not expected to increase the demand for parking at the site and, as such, no additional parking is considered required.”
The application was code assessable and did not require public notification. The currency period for the approval is six years.
Aussie World also has plans for a $60 million water park expansion. The concept design features 16 waterslides, pools and numerous waterplay areas. It would also include food and beverage outlets, a pool bar, sun lounges, cabanas and a souvenir shop.
In 2017 the theme park gained approval for five additional rides. To date, one of the rides and the car parking area of 114 spaces have been constructed. The currency of that approval runs until October 2027.
Aussie World was approached for comment.
